Philosophy Discussion Forums

This topic is related to the philosophical book for the month of June Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power by Barbara Galutia Regis PA-C

https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelv ... ?id=419391

I am someone who had always put my patients and my job first. Medicine was—and continues to be—my calling. My family has always been important, and my husband also accepted and understood how much I care for my patients. Everything else could wait...or could it?

This quote is found in Location 87 of Kindle version of this book. It is about how her illness did not wait, though she could keep waiting everything else till she dutifully completed her job.

Do you think if she cared a little bit more about herself, she could have had a better chance of not getting the cancer? What is more important; doing your job wholeheartedly or caring for you and your loved ones?

I think she should have not waited to get her spot looked at , I think it’s a lesson to us all.

I think it's sort of like the case of the cobbler's children who have no shoes. You have to have a balance between your work and home life and personal care. I understood that she cared about her patients and admire that, but it was foolish for her to ignore and dismiss it for so long.

Nevertellmetheodds wrote: ↑June 6th, 2021, 4:41 pm I think she should have not waited to get her spot looked at , I think it’s a lesson to us all.

Yes. You can be selfless when you serve others. But that does not mean or make you to neglect yourself or your loved ones. I this case she got a very obvious swelling on her arm, which she chose to neglect despite being a doctor. But the result was not so good, and as you said, it is a good lesson for all of us. We should be healthy at first to care about others' wellbeing.

RandomReviews wrote: ↑June 6th, 2021, 11:38 pm I think it's sort of like the case of the cobbler's children who have no shoes. You have to have a balance between your work and home life and personal care. I understood that she cared about her patients and admire that, but it was foolish for her to ignore and dismiss it for so long.

Nice comparison. A cobblers child who runs around without shoes will make the society look bad at the cobbler father. Maybe that will not happen in this scenario, and her patients will definitely sympathise for her and help her. But her rival (if she has any) has the chance to raise the question, "how can she diagnose someone else's illness when she missed her own?". It is not good to humiliate someone who has got an illness. But that is a certain possibility.

"You can't take care of patients if you don't take care of yourself."

"Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself."

What can wait? In these days many things have a sense of urgency. Proactive wellness care is worth prioritizing.

In her book, Barbara realizes that a seemingly inconsequential skin-irritation was in fact a quite serious situation. Even though she's a healthcare provider, she--like many--nearly waited a bit too long to take action steps towards addressing what was only mildly on her radar.

This is a cautionary-tale: If you see "something" do something.

LuckyR wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 3:19 am "You can't take care of patients if you don't take care of yourself."

"Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself."

I agree with both of your statements.

Yes, you can be selfless, but you cannot neglect yourself. How can you look after others if you do not care enough about yourself. And merging this with your other statement, yes you should run a marathon as a healthcare provider. There is no hurry but it is important to hold on. You should know when to run fast as well as when to rest. If you ignore the times when your body yearns for a rest, you will not hold for long. At times it might appear as working without rest as doing more service. But on the long run it is less efficient and bound to last short.

I agree that if someone is in the position of a doctor, they should first be an example of self care. Personally, I sometimes feel put off or confused by doctors who appear obese, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Although it is possible that they may some some genetic or other problem that is not their fault, often I feel that they are not good examples for people and it comes to my mind that if someone does not care about their own self or know how to treat themselves, how can I trust them with my own health?

However, with the author it may have been she was simply busy with patients and so became negligent of her own well being. There are some very selfless individuals who have caught coronovirus and died from it. We can't blame them and say they should not have caught it or that they were not taking care of themselves. For this reason, perhaps the author cannot be blamed if she had neglected her own self for the sake of others. However, perhaps she and others may learn something from such a mistake. Maybe in answer to the question of everything else could wait or could it is that no actually we have rights on ourselves, our family has rights in us and our spouse, should all these be made to wait and possibly affected with time, or should we try to divide our time equally and fairly between all people around us and ourselves?

bookishgal wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 3:34 am What can wait? In these days many things have a sense of urgency. Proactive wellness care is worth prioritizing.

In her book, Barbara realizes that a seemingly inconsequential skin-irritation was in fact a quite serious situation. Even though she's a healthcare provider, she--like many--nearly waited a bit too long to take action steps towards addressing what was only mildly on her radar.

This is a cautionary-tale: If you see "something" do something.

Well, you are taking this quote to another dimension. Yes, nothing can wait today. The world is going forward so fast and if you wait a second, the next moment you will be far behind. And with that people have no time to care for themselves because they have to survive this continuous run.

But, it is up to you to prioritize your choices. You have to do everything, but that means everything being given the correct amount of care at the correct time. You cannot repent on what you missed, but you have to act in a way to miss nothing. As you have said, if you see something, you should do something, which was missed by this author and ended up with her current unfavourable condition.

ReaderAisha2020 wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 4:08 pm I agree that if someone is in the position of a doctor, they should first be an example of self care. Personally, I sometimes feel put off or confused by doctors who appear obese, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Although it is possible that they may some some genetic or other problem that is not their fault, often I feel that they are not good examples for people and it comes to my mind that if someone does not care about their own self or know how to treat themselves, how can I trust them with my own health?

However, with the author it may have been she was simply busy with patients and so became negligent of her own well being. There are some very selfless individuals who have caught coronovirus and died from it. We can't blame them and say they should not have caught it or that they were not taking care of themselves. For this reason, perhaps the author cannot be blamed if she had neglected her own self for the sake of others. However, perhaps she and others may learn something from such a mistake. Maybe in answer to the question of everything else could wait or could it is that no actually we have rights on ourselves, our family has rights in us and our spouse, should all these be made to wait and possibly affected with time, or should we try to divide our time equally and fairly between all people around us and ourselves?

Because you mentioned about the current pandemic, the Covid 19 pandemic, I would like to add something. Treating the Covid patients in a selfless manner does not make the doctor ill. There must be a breach of the proper practice of protection in some place. Occasionally it can be due to an emergency situation where the doctor had to choose between his own protection and patient's life. But in most occasions it has been due to pure negligence or ignorance. So ignorance cannot be justified with the terms like being selfless or being busy. Ignorance is ignorance and its responsibility has to be fully accepted by the particular person.

I do not want to blame this author for getting cancer, but the delay in diagnosis was mainly due to her ignorance.

ReaderAisha2020 wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 4:08 pm I agree that if someone is in the position of a doctor, they should first be an example of self care. Personally, I sometimes feel put off or confused by doctors who appear obese, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Although it is possible that they may some some genetic or other problem that is not their fault, often I feel that they are not good examples for people and it comes to my mind that if someone does not care about their own self or know how to treat themselves, how can I trust them with my own health?

However, with the author it may have been she was simply busy with patients and so became negligent of her own well being. There are some very selfless individuals who have caught coronovirus and died from it. We can't blame them and say they should not have caught it or that they were not taking care of themselves. For this reason, perhaps the author cannot be blamed if she had neglected her own self for the sake of others. However, perhaps she and others may learn something from such a mistake. Maybe in answer to the question of everything else could wait or could it is that no actually we have rights on ourselves, our family has rights in us and our spouse, should all these be made to wait and possibly affected with time, or should we try to divide our time equally and fairly between all people around us and ourselves?

Ignoring health warning signs is a display of poor medical judgment. I'd think twice before selecting that person to guard my health.

LuckyR wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 2:23 am

ReaderAisha2020 wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 4:08 pm I agree that if someone is in the position of a doctor, they should first be an example of self care. Personally, I sometimes feel put off or confused by doctors who appear obese, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Although it is possible that they may some some genetic or other problem that is not their fault, often I feel that they are not good examples for people and it comes to my mind that if someone does not care about their own self or know how to treat themselves, how can I trust them with my own health?

However, with the author it may have been she was simply busy with patients and so became negligent of her own well being. There are some very selfless individuals who have caught coronovirus and died from it. We can't blame them and say they should not have caught it or that they were not taking care of themselves. For this reason, perhaps the author cannot be blamed if she had neglected her own self for the sake of others. However, perhaps she and others may learn something from such a mistake. Maybe in answer to the question of everything else could wait or could it is that no actually we have rights on ourselves, our family has rights in us and our spouse, should all these be made to wait and possibly affected with time, or should we try to divide our time equally and fairly between all people around us and ourselves?

Ignoring health warning signs is a display of poor medical judgment. I'd think twice before selecting that person to guard my health.

Your point about the importance of healthcare professionals not ignoring their own health warning signs is quite valid. It touches upon a broader ethical and practical aspect of medical practice. Healthcare providers are often seen as role models for health and wellness, and their personal health choices can impact their credibility and the trust patients place in them.

The dilemma presented in this book, where personal health is neglected due to professional dedication, is indeed a common scenario in the medical field. It raises significant questions about the balance between professional commitment and self-care. While selflessness and dedication to patients are admirable qualities, they should not come at the cost of one's own health.

This brings us to the broader philosophical question of duty to self versus duty to others. In the context of healthcare professionals, how do we strike a balance between these two responsibilities? Is it possible to be fully dedicated to patients while also giving due attention to personal health and well-being? And how can medical institutions support their staff in maintaining this balance?

Additionally, considering your point about medical judgment, do you think the personal health of healthcare providers should be viewed as an extension of their professional competence? How does a healthcare professional's personal health management reflect on their ability to care for others?

Sushan wrote: ↑November 21st, 2023, 3:47 am

LuckyR wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 2:23 am

ReaderAisha2020 wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 4:08 pm I agree that if someone is in the position of a doctor, they should first be an example of self care. Personally, I sometimes feel put off or confused by doctors who appear obese, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Although it is possible that they may some some genetic or other problem that is not their fault, often I feel that they are not good examples for people and it comes to my mind that if someone does not care about their own self or know how to treat themselves, how can I trust them with my own health?

However, with the author it may have been she was simply busy with patients and so became negligent of her own well being. There are some very selfless individuals who have caught coronovirus and died from it. We can't blame them and say they should not have caught it or that they were not taking care of themselves. For this reason, perhaps the author cannot be blamed if she had neglected her own self for the sake of others. However, perhaps she and others may learn something from such a mistake. Maybe in answer to the question of everything else could wait or could it is that no actually we have rights on ourselves, our family has rights in us and our spouse, should all these be made to wait and possibly affected with time, or should we try to divide our time equally and fairly between all people around us and ourselves?

Ignoring health warning signs is a display of poor medical judgment. I'd think twice before selecting that person to guard my health.

Your point about the importance of healthcare professionals not ignoring their own health warning signs is quite valid. It touches upon a broader ethical and practical aspect of medical practice. Healthcare providers are often seen as role models for health and wellness, and their personal health choices can impact their credibility and the trust patients place in them.

The dilemma presented in this book, where personal health is neglected due to professional dedication, is indeed a common scenario in the medical field. It raises significant questions about the balance between professional commitment and self-care. While selflessness and dedication to patients are admirable qualities, they should not come at the cost of one's own health.

This brings us to the broader philosophical question of duty to self versus duty to others. In the context of healthcare professionals, how do we strike a balance between these two responsibilities? Is it possible to be fully dedicated to patients while also giving due attention to personal health and well-being? And how can medical institutions support their staff in maintaining this balance?

Additionally, considering your point about medical judgment, do you think the personal health of healthcare providers should be viewed as an extension of their professional competence? How does a healthcare professional's personal health management reflect on their ability to care for others?

Happy to address your questions once you convince me anyone cares about my answer.

LuckyR wrote: ↑November 21st, 2023, 4:31 pm

Sushan wrote: ↑November 21st, 2023, 3:47 am

LuckyR wrote: ↑June 8th, 2021, 2:23 am

ReaderAisha2020 wrote: ↑June 7th, 2021, 4:08 pm I agree that if someone is in the position of a doctor, they should first be an example of self care. Personally, I sometimes feel put off or confused by doctors who appear obese, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Although it is possible that they may some some genetic or other problem that is not their fault, often I feel that they are not good examples for people and it comes to my mind that if someone does not care about their own self or know how to treat themselves, how can I trust them with my own health?

However, with the author it may have been she was simply busy with patients and so became negligent of her own well being. There are some very selfless individuals who have caught coronovirus and died from it. We can't blame them and say they should not have caught it or that they were not taking care of themselves. For this reason, perhaps the author cannot be blamed if she had neglected her own self for the sake of others. However, perhaps she and others may learn something from such a mistake. Maybe in answer to the question of everything else could wait or could it is that no actually we have rights on ourselves, our family has rights in us and our spouse, should all these be made to wait and possibly affected with time, or should we try to divide our time equally and fairly between all people around us and ourselves?

Ignoring health warning signs is a display of poor medical judgment. I'd think twice before selecting that person to guard my health.

Your point about the importance of healthcare professionals not ignoring their own health warning signs is quite valid. It touches upon a broader ethical and practical aspect of medical practice. Healthcare providers are often seen as role models for health and wellness, and their personal health choices can impact their credibility and the trust patients place in them.

The dilemma presented in this book, where personal health is neglected due to professional dedication, is indeed a common scenario in the medical field. It raises significant questions about the balance between professional commitment and self-care. While selflessness and dedication to patients are admirable qualities, they should not come at the cost of one's own health.

This brings us to the broader philosophical question of duty to self versus duty to others. In the context of healthcare professionals, how do we strike a balance between these two responsibilities? Is it possible to be fully dedicated to patients while also giving due attention to personal health and well-being? And how can medical institutions support their staff in maintaining this balance?

Additionally, considering your point about medical judgment, do you think the personal health of healthcare providers should be viewed as an extension of their professional competence? How does a healthcare professional's personal health management reflect on their ability to care for others?

Happy to address your questions once you convince me anyone cares about my answer.

I see that you are doubting about whether anyone cares about your answers. It's an important point to raise, and I'm genuinely interested in understanding your perspective better. Could you share what led you to feel that your contributions might not be valued or cared for in this discussion?